The elbow is _______ to the wrist.

The elbow is proximal to the wrist because it is located closer to the point of attachment to the body relative to the wrist. In anatomical terms, "proximal" refers to a structure that is nearer to the trunk of the body or the point of origin of a limb, while "distal" indicates a position further away from the trunk.

Understanding these relationships is essential when discussing the location of various structures in the body, as it helps clarify their positions in relation to one another. For instance, in this case, since the elbow is situated above the wrist on the arm, it is classified as proximal. This concept is commonly utilized in anatomy to describe relative positions, making it crucial for accurately communicating about the human body's structure and function.